A few weeks ago, I shared with you an amazing story from Mary Lou D'Altorio about overcoming loss and not looking back. In response, one of her traveling companions, Shirley F., emailed me to share how Mary Lou has inspired her as well. But that's not the only topic Shirley had to comment on: she also shared a firsthand encounter with the traffic lights in Tanzania, which I wrote about in a recent journal entry.
Dear Harriet,
Thanks for publishing the letter from Mary Lou. I have traveled with Mary Lou on several OAT trips—to Vietnam, India & Bhutan, and Tunisia. She is an amazing woman! I am sure her letter will be an inspiration to others who have had changes in their lives forced upon them. From listening to her describe the woman she was before the divorce to meeting the woman she is today, I can only conclude that "change is good." She is now an outgoing, dynamic, independent woman who uses her photos to bring smiles to others all over the world.
I also enjoyed your writing about the traffic light in Tanzania. I was there on the day it went into action—so to speak! As we approached an intersection, our driver began shouting, “It's working! The traffic light is working!” Then, he proceeded, much to our chagrin, to plunge into the intersection on a red light. We shouted, “No, you’re supposed to stop at the red light!” We whizzed through the intersection, unaccompanied and safely. It was a highlight of our adventures in Arusha!
Thanks for using your column to share your own experiences, as well as those of others.
Sincerely,
Shirley F.
13-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Fernfale, California
Shirley, I’m happy to hear that you made it through your own traffic light adventure without a scratch! Thank you also for sharing your wonderful words about Mary Lou. She is, indeed, an inspiring woman. I hope that you both will continue to share your experiences with me so that other travelers can enjoy your adventures as well.
Now I’d like to share an email I received from Tim E., who could not believe how much he was able to do when he visited Jordan and Egypt last year. Most importantly, he was surprised by the friendliness of everyone he met along the way. Although he shared with me many wonderful memories of his Egyptian travels, I will share the highlights of his adventures from the trip.
We cruised the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, rode a camel for three miles in the desert, climbed into the center of pyramids, explored King Tut’s tomb, rode horses in Petra, sailed in feluccas on the Nile, had dinner with an Egyptian family, and shopped in local markets in many places. We were amazed by the friendly reception throughout Egypt and Jordan, from people from all walks of life. Everyone had a smile. I saw no ill looks or indications we were not welcome. It was obvious we were Americans and obvious they were happy to have us in their country.
Tim E.
5-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Tim, it really is amazing how you can be taken back in time thousands of years by simply exploring ancient places like Egypt and Jordan. Thank you for sharing your great memories.
Just as Tim felt like he was stepping into a different world, so did Marilyn G. during her pre-trip while traveling to Turkey. I love that she compares her experience to “slipping back in time." I wanted to share her beautiful story of watching a group of pilgrims arrive home from their journey. It is such a wonderful example of how an unexpected and unplanned event can become a treasured travel memory.
Dear Harriet,
October and November of 2007, my husband and I joined your OAT trip to Turkey. We arrived in Istanbul and boarded a flight to Adana for our pre-trip. In the small Adana airport, we made our way to baggage claim. We walked into that room and slipped back in time many centuries into a different world.
This experience is definitely at the top of my list of sensory life moments. There was an entire flight of Turks in white traditional dress who had just returned from a pilgrimage from Mecca. Although the sight got my immediate attention, the quiet chattering sound was so foreign to me.
We retrieved our bags and joined the pilgrims making their way toward the doors and their loved ones. There were aromas I had never smelled before. Once we hit those doors, the masses mingled with the emerging travelers much like a tidal wave hits the shore. There was so much excitement and anticipation as the loved ones reached their pilgrim.
Our group found each other and Fatih, our Trip Leader, got us on our little bus and then explained what we had just experienced. When pilgrims return from Mecca, they bring back many souvenirs for their loved ones, such as prayer beads and rugs, oil, holy water, and dates. More so than receiving the souvenirs, loved ones were anxious to touch and kiss the hands of the pilgrims that were now considered holy because they had touched the black stone (a meteor that fell from heaven) and the walls of Kaaba.
What an introduction to a culture that, for many of us, was quite foreign! It was only a chance coincidence but it is imprinted in my mind and heart forever. It reminds me of why I travel. It wasn't on the itinerary but what a bonus. It is just one example of the many wonderful experiences we get from our OAT adventures!
Marilyn G.
6-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Marilyn, these unexpected moments help to teach us about the people and country in which we are traveling better than anything else. Learn about Syria, another optional pre-trip extension, from OAT’s Shannon Levi in our News & Views section this week.